Which is best macro lense-your latest thoughts? (1 Viewer)

David Smith

Warrington Lancs

• Mar 17, 2008

• #1

I have read through all the interesting comments here (and on world photography forum) and I realise that 'in the end' it's down to me to decide.

I think I have narrowed the choice down to Sigma 150mm or Canon 100mm (longer Canon too expensive for me).
My reasons are:-
a) the reach of the Sigma (so as not to disturb subject)
b) Canon quality (to go with my 40d)
c) lense length doesn't increase (which I think is important for extreme
close-up's). I understand it does with Tamron.

I was interested in those who were in a similar situation to me recently-what did you eventually choose & are you happy or would you change?:t:

 

IanF

Moderator

• Mar 17, 2008

• #2

I believe the Canon has full time manual focus as well which the Sigma doesn't.

I'm in the same position. I'd prefer a longer focal length for slightly greater distance to subject but I'm very much leaning towards the Canon.

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Mar 17, 2008

• #3

I use the Sigma 105 f2.8 macro, it's a cracking lens with excellent IQ. When I bought it I did consider the Canon but did feel it was worth the extra so went for the Sigma. Recently I tested a Sigma 150 f2.8 and thought it was excellent, the longer focal length and full time manual focus both seemed like advantages over the 105. I decided that the differences were not worth the cost of changing, however if I'd been buying my first macro I'd definitely have gone for the 150.

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Mar 17, 2008

• #4

IanF said:

I believe the Canon has full time manual focus as well which the Sigma doesn't.

Click to expand...

The two shorter Sigma macros (50 f2.8 & 105 f2.8) don't have full time manual focus, but the two longer ones do (150 f2.8 and 180 f3.5).

 

David Smith

Warrington Lancs

• Mar 17, 2008

• #5

postcardcv said:

. Recently I tested a Sigma 150 f2.8 and thought it was excellent, the longer focal length and full time manual focus both seemed like advantages over the 105..

Click to expand...

What is the advantage of "full time" manual focus ?

I notice Ian thinks the Canon does have this while the Sigma doesn't-from your test can I assume that it does? (even if I'm not yet sure of the advantage)

 

David Smith

Warrington Lancs

• Mar 17, 2008

• #6

postcardcv said:

. Recently I tested a Sigma 150 f2.8 and thought it was excellent, the longer focal length and full time manual focus both seemed like advantages over the 105..

Click to expand...

What is the advantage of "full time" manual focus ?

I notice Ian thinks the Canon does have this while the Sigma doesn't-from your test can I assume that it does? (even if I'm not yet sure of the advantage)
Sorry_I've just seen your 2nd post.

 

Roy C

Occasional bird snapper

• Mar 17, 2008

• #7

I use my Canon 100mm macro with a 1.4tc when I want more working distance, this lens takes a tc very well with almost no loss of IQ (you need a non Canon tc though).
The Canon 100 is a cracking lens IMO.

 

pduxon

Quacked up Member

• Mar 17, 2008

• #8

the sigma 150 does have FTM (I just checked!!)

oh and for confirmation

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/macro/150mm.htm

its a lovely lens seems excellently built to me. I can't compare it to the Canon as a Nikon user I've naturally never used it

 

Pluvius

Well-known member

• Mar 17, 2008

• #9

What about a 300 f4 with extenders. This guy is an expert with this combo .http://www.pbase.com/ronnie_14187/d100___d200_my_favorites

 

IanF

Moderator

• Mar 17, 2008

• #10

With the 150mm having full time manual focus I'm more inclined that way now.

 

Corax67

Well-known member

• Mar 17, 2008

• #11

I love my Sigma 105mm f2.8 - superb for moths, plants and damsel/dragonflies. Highly recommended.

 

S

sourton

Well-known member

• Mar 19, 2008

• #12

I have the Sigma 105mm and I think it is great. IQ is really good.

 

christineredgate

Winner of the Copeland Wildlife Photographer of th

• Mar 19, 2008

• #13

I have the Sigma 150.Not taken any macro shots as such,(too windy!!!),but I have taken a couple of close up bird shots,colours very sharp.Seems an easy lens to use.I bought it for Butterflies,etc,so that one does not have to be too close.

 

David Smith

Warrington Lancs

• Mar 20, 2008

• #14

Just taken the step and ordered the Sigma 150. All I have to do is learn the art of macro now.

 

Tim Taylor

work in progress

• Mar 20, 2008

• #15

Good decision David. I've got one and love it.